The best traffic-free bike rides around Épieds
4.4
(29)
242
riders
19
rides
Gravel biking around Épieds offers diverse terrain within the Loire Valley, characterized by its agricultural landscapes, vineyards, and woodlands. The region features riverside paths along the Loire and Thouet rivers, alongside unique "Falun" tracks composed of fine white limestone. These compact limestone paths wind through the countryside, providing varied riding surfaces. The area is situated on the Saumurois plateau, bordered by the Fontevraud forest and the Dive canal, offering a mix of flat sections and gentle elevation changes.
Best no…
Last updated: May 7, 2026
5.0
(2)
11
riders
47.7km
03:03
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
riders
30.0km
02:00
270m
270m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
5
riders
26.9km
01:50
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
94.6km
05:27
260m
260m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Épieds
Tips from the Community
The sights are good but the terrain is not especially after high winds and heavy rain. Some people might find it tricky to navigate.
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For those who want to discover some art objects.
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is located in the natural region of the Loire Valley, listed as a "living cultural landscape" by UNESCO. As its name suggests, the history and present of the municipality are closely linked to the Abbey of Notre-Dame, founded in 1099. The abbey presents the originality of being part of a mixed order, but led by abbesses until the Revolution. was the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty. The recumbent figures of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are still preserved there. The vast abbey complex was transformed by Napoleon I into a penal colony and then into a "central house". This extraordinary prison closed its doors in 1963. While the abbey church and the various monastic sites were rehabilitated, the entire old abbey has since housed a prestigious cultural centre with, among other things, a renowned art museum, welcoming meetings and artists in residence. Art, history and heritage are highlighted throughout the year.
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Beautiful stands the wingless mill of Herpinière as a landmark in the landscape of vineyards. Mill is not accessible.
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice there for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. In February 2025, a fire broke out. Source Wikipedia
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. A fire broke out in February 2025. Source Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic gravel bike trails around Épieds?
The Épieds region, nestled in the Loire Valley, offers diverse terrain perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter a mix of riverside paths along the Loire and Thouet rivers, routes through expansive vineyards, agricultural lands, and woodlands. A unique feature is the 'Falun' tracks, composed of fine white limestone from ancient seabeds, providing a distinctive riding surface that can be compact and dusty in dry weather, or technically demanding when wet.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly no-traffic gravel bike routes near Épieds?
While many routes in the area are rated moderate, some sections and shorter loops can be suitable for beginners. For a moderate introduction, consider the Loire Riverside at Turquant – Fontevraud loop from Montsoreau, which covers about 30 km with manageable elevation changes. Always check the route details for specific difficulty and surface conditions.
What historical or natural landmarks can I see along the no-traffic gravel bike trails?
The trails around Épieds are rich in history and natural beauty. You can cycle past impressive sites like Montsoreau Castle and the renowned Fontevraud Royal Abbey. Many routes also pass by unique troglodyte dwellings, such as the Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site, carved into the soft rock. The region is also characterized by its vineyards and the picturesque Loire River.
Are there any long-distance no-traffic gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders looking for a challenge, there are longer and more difficult options. The View of Château de Chinon – Château de Chinon loop from Varrains is a demanding route stretching over 94 km, offering significant distance and elevation. Another challenging option is the Loire Riverside at Turquant – Château de Chinon loop from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, which is over 63 km long.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Épieds?
The Loire Valley generally offers pleasant conditions for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming vineyards and mild temperatures, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended. Winter rides are possible, but be mindful that 'Falun' tracks can become technically demanding when wet.
Can I find circular no-traffic gravel bike routes around Épieds?
Yes, many of the gravel bike trails around Épieds are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains and the Fontevraud – Troglodyte houses loop from Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne. These loops make planning your ride and return journey convenient.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Épieds?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Épieds, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 30 ratings. Riders frequently praise the region's quiet, traffic-free paths, the scenic beauty of the Loire Valley, and the unique historical landmarks encountered along the way, such as castles and troglodyte dwellings.
Are there any specific regulations for dog-friendly gravel biking in the Épieds region?
While specific regulations for dogs on gravel trails can vary, generally, dogs are welcome on many outdoor paths in France, provided they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. When cycling through vineyards or agricultural areas, it's especially important to keep dogs under control to avoid disturbing livestock or crops. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions in protected natural areas like the Natura 2000 zone of the Champagne de Méron.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting while gravel biking near Épieds?
Yes, the Épieds region, particularly areas like the Natura 2000 zone of the Champagne de Méron, is an important protected area for wild birds. Cycling along the Dive river and its tributary, La Petite Maine, or through the Fontevraud forest, can offer chances to spot various bird species and other local wildlife. The agricultural lands and poplar plantations also provide diverse habitats.
Where can I find parking for no-traffic gravel bike trails around Épieds?
Parking is generally available in the villages and towns that serve as starting points for these routes. For example, you can often find parking in Varrains, Montsoreau, Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne, or Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, which are common access points for many of the featured trails. Always look for designated public parking areas.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
Yes, the Loire Valley is known for its charming villages and towns, many of which are located along or near the gravel bike routes. You'll find opportunities to stop for coffee, pastries, or a meal in places like Turquant, Montsoreau, or Fontevraud-l'Abbaye. These stops offer a chance to experience local culture and refuel during your ride.
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